Shotley and Benfieldside Tennis Club's Daniel Kiernan has recently improved his world ranking to 754 and his British ranking to 18 after a successful trip to Asia.

The 23-year-old from Ebchester won the Indian Open in temperatures of 48c.

He then travelled home, swapping the sun for a dull Derwentside evening to play for his local club in the Men's A Division of the Northumberland and Durham League - and helped them to a win.

Shotley and Benfieldside recently received Stage One lottery support from Sport England for a Community Tennis Centre, consisting of new courts, floodlighting, a Kids' Zone, a practice wall and a new clubhouse.

But local funding is still necessary for the project to succeed and anyone able to help should contact Phil Atess on 0191 4888386 or Christine Heppell on 0191 3868405.

NA GROUP of budding tennis starlets from Derwentside enjoyed a free day trip to Wimbledon.

The group spent time visiting and participating in the challenges of the Kids Zone, watching live matches and cheering Tim Henman from Henman Hill.

A comprehensive and structured tennis coaching programme for all ages and abilities currently takes place at Shotley and Benfieldside.

Anyone interested in playing or coaching opportunities should ring 0191 4888386 or 0191 3868405 for more information.